[quote=@Terrans]
[h2]Aden[/h2]

...

“Yes……remarkable.” Aden answered; a gaze flashing to a certain Elgan with curiosity before he remembered that his dance partner was still talking. 

“Merchant family; always have to be ready to rub shoulders with your ilk.” Aden’s smile mirrored her self deprecating expression. “The better to line our pockets with frivolous purchases.” 

The next steps of the dance were awkward; but they managed it. He adjusted his offhand and gave a snort as Zoe ‘revealed’ her intentions. 

“Not to worry. I might not be Inburian but I’ll do my duty. At least for them.” He nodded to his arm; where his 46th Alpine patch would have hung. Though the patch was in the greatcoat which he had left in his appropriated locker. 

Upon realizing the gesture was pointless without the marking; he gave a sheepish smile. 

“My regiment…” He clarified. “…the 46th Alpine. Good lads. Got torn up on the border.”
[/quote]

[h2]Zoe[/h2]


"My ilk?" Zoe gave a look of feigned outrage that she ruined slightly by smirking, "You might find we're not as bad as we seem."

She listened to his story, studying him closely, "I'm sorry," she said as he finished, "From what little I know of the last few days, we weren't ready.  We thought we were, but we weren't.  I've heard similar stories from others on the ship."

"As for your duty... I thought you might.  Honour and dependability are some of the finest traits," she said sincerely, passing the compliment without quite saying it.

As the song drew to an end, she stepped back with a bright smile.  It looked like Zoe had enjoyed the dance, "Well, Mister Robertson, I suppose we should swap partners, but do feel free to find me again for the next dance," she said, before adding with a smirk, "We should probably check your stitches as well.  I am clearly trained to do that."

She paused, before her eyes alighted on Carter, "Mister Carter," she said by way of introduction.  There was the not-so-subtly implication she was hoping he would ask her for the next dance.